PC Game News

Paradox Interactive today announced the release of "Magicka", the action adventure game by Arrowhead Game Studios. In addition, a demo is available on Steam.

"The self-deprecating title, which pokes fun of other games just to feel better about itself, is available for the modest price of two newt legs and a vial of unicorn blood. Or $9.99 Actually, thinking about it now, just $9.99 will do.

Developed by Arrowhead studios, Magicka throws players into a realm filled with hordes of ogres, goblins, and other monsters you've seen countless times in games and movies throughout the last 50 years. Explore the land alone or cooperatively as you and your "friends" battle through the masses to save the world and be mocked incessantly by the entire population when you perish trying to do so. Put your robe on and get ready to do lots of prancing around in the forest!

For more information viist https://www.magickagame.com"

Sony Online Entertainment today announced the release of "Magic: The Gathering – Tactics", the free-to-play online strategy game that was developed in collaboration with Wizards of the Coast.

"Magic: The Gathering – Tactics puts players worldwide in the role of a Planeswalker, a powerful mage commanding devastating spells and iconic creatures from all five colors of Magic™ in intense online tactical battles set across richly illustrated 3D environments.

From implementing the righteous powers of White mana and painting with the illusions of Blue, to embracing the amorality behind Black, the fury of Red or the natural force of Green – Tactics players will tap a universe of power to defeat both AI and online opponents.

Gamers can compete online against other players from around the globe in head-to-head battles or in competitive tournaments, or face the challenging chapters of the game’s story-driven single-player campaign. Players can level up their own unique Planeswalker avatar as they build powerful spellbooks with in-game booster packs available for purchase. In addition, Tactics players can progress through color-based talent trees, purchase additional campaign chapters or enter massive online tournaments with top-tier spells and unique prizes at stake.

To access Magic: The Gathering – Tactics please visit: www.MagicTheGatheringTactics.com."

A new "Crysis 2" multiplayer has been released, giving viewers a look at the online play in the upcoming sequel by Crytek.

"In Crysis 2, the aliens have returned with a full invasion force bent on nothing less than the total annihilation of mankind. In New York, terrifying alien invaders stalk the streets and a nightmare plague strikes down the city's myriad inhabitants with brutal epidemic speed. "

GameInformer received word from Randy Pitchford that "Duke Nukem Forever" is finally set to be released on May 3 in North America and May 6 worldwide.

"Somehow the guys at Game Informer magazine discovered Duke Nukem Forever's launch date before I did," joked Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software and executive producer of Duke Nukem Forever. "But I cannot imagine any better video game news source team than Game Informer to reveal the moment of truth for the most inconceivable, incorrigible and inspiring turn around story in the history of the video game industry – the coming of Duke Nukem Forever on May 3, 2011."

In addition to this announcement, a new "reveal" trailer has been released.

1C Company announced that the stage 2 open beta of "Men of War: Assault" will begin when the Steam Community group hits 20,000. In addition, a new developer's update is available at the official site.

"Men of War: Assault Squad Open Beta  stage 2 will  start when  the official Men of War: Assault Squad group at Steam reaches 20,000 members and will introduce a new playable faction – the Soviet Union. 

The  third Developers Update  for Men of War: Assault Squad summarizes  the  feedback  received after first part of Open Beta and introduces changes that await players in the second round. Men of War: Assault Squad Open Beta stage 2 will be distributed exclusively through Steam. "

505 Games today announced an agreement with Reverie World Studios to publish "Dawn of Fantasy", an upcoming MMORTS that is scheduled to launch worldwide in June 2011.

"Offering a fresh perspective on the fantasy RTS genre, Dawn of Fantasy will deliver a persistent world war experience like none before. Thousands of players building, exploring and fighting together to crush AI controlled strongholds and empires in a rich tapestry of story-driven encounters, all of which builds upon the already weighty single player campaign experience. In a world that continues to trade and evolve even after logging off, players will also test their armies’ constitution in matched head-to-head multiplayer encounters on their road to becoming the biggest city-state in Mythador.

Each of the three different races available to players – elves, men and orcs – offer a radically different playing style based on a carefully balanced system of strengths and weaknesses. With an in-game narrative driven by a dramatic historical background, Dawn of Fantasy will combine rich storytelling with compelling gameplay to provide a strategy experience to appeal to MMO and RTS fans alike.

Stay up to date with the latest game assets and information at the official website: https://www.dawnoffantasy.com/"

Paradox Interactive and NeoCore Games today announced the release of "King Arthur: The Druids", an expansion in the role-playing strategy series.

"Set during the events of its predecessor King Arthur: The Role-playing Wargame, this latest expansion features a stand-alone story with a vastly different ruler.  Integrating a new campaign, heroes, monsters, special units and unique skills this real-time strategy expansion will challenge your skills and delight your gaming senses.

Available today, the expansion King Arthur: The Druids is a digital download only release and is available on all leading digital distribution platforms.  The expansion King Arthur: The Druids will require the base game King Arthur – The Role-playing Wargame for play."

The list of new PC game releases, DVD and Blu-Ray releases, and movies opening the week of 2011.

PC Games:

(Looks like none this week)

Movies Opening This Week:

• No Strings Attached
• The Company of Men
• The Way Back (limited)

DVD and Blu-Ray Released:

• 21 Jump Street – The Complete Fourth Season
• Animal Kingdom [Blu-Ray]
• Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Collection 5 Pt. 2
• Buried [Blu-Ray]
• Carrie Triple Feature – set
• Color WWII Award Winning Films – set
• Dallas: The Complete Fourteenth Season
• Dark Skies
• Death Race 2 [Blu-Ray]
• Eichmann
• Explosive Cinema – 12 Movie Collection
• Freakonomics [Blu-Ray]
• Hannibal Lector Triple Feature – set
• Hollywood Comedy Legends – 50 Movie Pack – set [Blu-Ray]
• Jack Goes Boating
• Justified: The Complete First Season
• Merlin: The Complete Second Season
• Paper Man [Blu-Ray]
• Roger Corman's Cult Classics Triple Feature – set
• Sean Connery 007 Collection Vol. 1
• Shock Corridor [Criterion Collection Blu-Ray]
• Stone [Blu-Ray]
• Takers [Blu-Ray]
• The Best of Global Lens: Africa
• The Buried Life: Season 2
• The Naked Kiss [Criterion Collection Blu-Ray]
• The Virginity Hit
• Up From the Depths / Demon of Paradise – set
• Waking the Dead: Season 5

Valve today confirmed that "Portal 2" will include cross platform multiplayer with PC, Mac, and PS3.

"Marking the debut of Steam functioning on any next generation console, the features shipping in the PS3 version of Portal 2 include cross platform play (PC/Mac vs. PS3) for multiplayer games, persistent cloud-based storage of PS3 saved games, and cross platform chat (PC/Mac and PS3).

In addition, those who purchase Portal 2 for the PlayStation 3 may unlock a Steam Play (PC & Mac) copy of Portal 2 at no additional cost by linking their PSN and Steam accounts.

"We made a promise to gamers at E3 that Portal 2 for the PlayStation 3 would be the best console version of the product," said Gabe Newell, co-founder and president of Valve. "Working together with Sony we have identified a set of features we believe are very compelling to gamers. We hope to expand upon the foundation being laid in Portal 2 with more Steam features and functionality in DLC and future content releases."

"We designed the Portal 2 PS3 experience to be very straightforward for gamers," said Josh Weier, project lead on Portal 2 at Valve. "PS3 gamers will be able to simply drop the Blu-Ray disc in the PS3, link to their Steam account from inside the game, and all their Steam friends (on PC and Mac) will be visible and accessible for chat and game invites."

These features are made possible thru the use of Steam, Valve's platform for the delivery and management of games and digital content.

Portal 2 is due for release on the PlayStation 3, PC, Mac and Xbox 360 this April.

For more information, please visit www.thinkingwithportals.com"

Scott Cromie, creative director and project manager at TopWare, introduces Two Worlds II. In the video he describes the mistakes with the original game, the new engine, character creation simplification,  weaponry, alchemy, spell casting, and plans to make the game appeal to both casual and hard core gamers.

"Two Worlds II presents a totally new gamer experience, one in which 2 years of intensive development has enabled quantum leaps in all spheres: completely overhauled AI and balancing standards, experienced authors, the active combat system and the brand-new engine all combine to provide an unforgettable experience where excitement, sheer enjoyment and graphics rule. "

Paradox Interactive and NeoCore Games today announced "King Arthur II", a new sequel in the role-playing strategy series.

"King Arthur II will feature a new and dark fantasy setting. No longer a valiant ruler, King Arthur is now the Maimed King trying to mend a land almost beyond repair in a stunning new plot. More heroic, large scale battles with bigger armies are at reach to defeat more powerful foes. Intense boss fights never seen before promise to pit hero’s forces against unique and terrifying enemies. A new wide range of camera control options, revised animations and an extensive tutorial will provide for the ultimate gaming experience.

"We are excited to begin King Arthur II with the Paradox publishing team," said Zoltán Pozsonyi, Producer of King Arthur II for Neocore. "We have every intention of testing the limits in the sequel. With an extraordinary new plot and insane new battles, our community’s expectations will be blown away."

"We couldn’t be more thrilled to add King Arthur II to our lineup of exceptional upcoming titles. From the early development that has taken place, we know this newest title will more than live up to its predecessor," said Fredrik Wester, CEO of Paradox Interactive.

For more information on King Arthur II, check out the website: www.kingarthurthewargame.com"

Electronic Arts today released the launch trailer for "Dead Space 2", the upcoming sequel by Visceral Games that's scheduled to be released on January 25.

"Hero Isaac Clarke returns for another heart-pounding adventure, taking the fight to the Necromorphs in this thrilling action-horror experience. New tools to gruesomely slice and dismember the Necromorphs complement Isaac's signature Plasma Cutter, empowering him as he meets new characters, explores epic Zero-G environments, and fights against a relentless necromorph onslaught. Survival isn't the only thing on Isaac's mind in Dead Space 2 – this time, he calls the shots."

Electronic Arts today released a spotlight video for "Darkspore" focusing on the Zrin Hero class.

"Darkspore will feature dynamic, fast-paced action as players battle across alien worlds to save the galaxy from the mutated forces of Darkspore in a four-player co-operative and full single-player campaign, as well as intense multiplayer battles. "

SG Interactive today announced the launch of "Project Blackout", a free-to-play online FPS game by Zepetto.

"Project Blackout gives players the opportunity to do some damage in the fight between paramilitary and militia forces in the bullet-riddled country of Korogese. Players can blast their way through a wide variety of maps and five unique gameplay modes, earning experience to gain Rank, completing Mission Cards and using those exp gains and in-game rewards to customize their gameplay through the Advanced Combat Training system. All of these options can be used to improve their own, personal play style and shooting skills.

Of course, there’s no use in jumping into a firefight without the right equipment, so players also need to pick their gear carefully if they want to survive. From assault rifles with laser sights, scopes and quick-change magazines, dual wielded SMGs to bulletproof helmets and flashbangs; it’s up to each user to decide whether they’d like to be a walking tank or a speedy sharpshooter. With the official Project Blackout launch, players who really want to gear up to the max can visit the in game Item Mall to snag these top-of-the-line items. Although, everyone would do well to keep the unofficial Korogesian motto in mind as they enter the fray: “When all else fails, let the bullet decide.”

To become a fan of Project Blackout on Facebook and earn a special, limited-edition weapon for your digital arsenal, visit https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBlackout/.

To learn more about Project Blackout, visit https://pb.ntreev.net/"

Nexon America today announced that the Blood Lord, aka The Nightmare of Ainle, will be invading "Vindicuts" beginning January 19.

"The Blood Lord is the most challenging raid boss to come to Vindictus so far. Up to six mercenaries can join together to face him, but bringing him to submission will require every trick in the book due to his devastating arsenal of attacks.

Known to some as The Nightmare of Ainle, the Blood Lord moves with cunning speed across the map. He’ll periodically rise above the battlefield and rain fire down on players, but don’t stand too close to him for long because he also has devastating melee claw attacks. As if that weren’t enough, the Blood Lord can disappear in a cloud of smoke and move around vampire-like as a host of bats.

Players must be at least level 45 to face the Blood Lord, but those who are victorious against him will be able to craft the coveted Nightmare Armor set.

Also releasing in the January 19 content update are all new hairstyles, face paint and body tattoos in the cash shop.

To learn more about the latest events in Vindictus visit: www.vindictus.com"